Wild Tanzania: Ruaha, Nyerere and Mafia Island

From Dar es Salaam to Dar es Salaam
  • Tanzania
  • Safari Tours
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Tour Description

Discover some of the wild highlights of the Tanzania Southern Circuit. Commence your journey in Dar es Salaam and take a flight to Nyerere National Park. Your Camp is nestled along the Rufiji River and promises a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. Immerse yourself in the wild with shared game drives, guided bush walks, and boat excursions, offering a front-row seat to the untamed beauty of Tanzania's oldest marine park.

Continue to Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem stretching along the Great Ruaha River. At Ruaha River Lodge, positioned strategically for optimal game viewing, witness the drama of the wild unfold from the comfort of your veranda. Engage in shared game activities amid the breathtaking landscapes.

The journey then leads to the pristine Mafia Island, known for its untouched paradise and marine wonders. Pole Pole, an exclusive eco-lodge on Chole Bay, offers a tranquil atmosphere. Dive into the unique experiences of whale shark encounters, cultural exploration, and water activities. Each day includes boat excursions, unveiling the vibrant coral reefs and hidden gems of the archipelago.

There is much to see and explore during your stay - some of the seasonal highlights include -

Whale Sharks: From October to March, dive into the waters and share a mesmerizing experience snorkeling alongside gentle giants.

Baby Turtles: In June to August, witness the timeless spectacle of sea turtles nesting on Tanzanian beaches for over 150 million years. Between June and September, delight in the instinctive scramble of hundreds of baby turtles making their way from the white sandy beaches to the inviting waters of the warm Indian Ocean.

Humpback Whales: Finally, from August to October, marvel at the majestic Humpback Whale migration in the south of Mafia as these colossal creatures, accompanied by their calves, journey to the warm waters—an awe-inspiring sight given their potential 14-meter length and staggering 40-ton weight!

Conclude your Tanzanian odyssey with a return to Dar es Salaam. This meticulously curated journey promises not only luxurious accommodations but also an immersive encounter with the untamed, allowing you to witness the unfiltered beauty of these diverse national parks.

This adventure can tailormade to your requirements - want more?  There is also the option to start in Arusha, so combining with the famous northern circuit before is an easy addition - talk to us today!

Viva's Best Bits...

Renowned as one of the best places to encounter whale sharks, Mafia Island provides a unique opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants in the warm Indian Ocean.

Ruaha's unspoiled wilderness delivers an authentic African safari away from crowds, with the Great Ruaha River providing a prime location to observe wildlife and witness nature's drama

Explore diverse ecosystems, from acacia woodlands to riverbanks, providing a rich tapestry of landscapes and habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
Day 1
Dar es Salaam Nyerere National Park

Today fly from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park.

On arrival you will be met and transferred by the camp vehicle enjoying your first game experience en route to the camp, arriving for dinner.

Overnight at Selous Impala Camp on All Inclusive basis

About the Camp

Nestled alongside a wooded stretch of the distinctive Rufiji River within Tanzania's Nyerere National Park, nature reveals its finest form. Our base camp, while simple in its aesthetic, is stylishly and thoughtfully designed to foster a close connection with the natural surroundings.

Relax and unwind in the serene ambiance of our breezy lounge and dining areas, strategically positioned on wooden decking that provides breathtaking views across the river. Daily, witness the spectacle of animals quenching their thirst at the water's edge.

Marvel at the African art on display, take a moment to recline in our meticulously crafted seating, draw inspiration from photographic journals and coffee table books, or simply bask in the tranquility of the view.

The bar area, a short walk from the lounge along a wooden walkway, invites you to savor an evening drink amidst the charm of an old ngalawa (a dug-out canoe), comfortable sofas, or a crackling campfire.

A brief stroll through the acacia woodland leads you to your private haven. Elevated on decking, each of the six Meru-style tents boasts a veranda with two chairs and a table, providing a vantage point to relish the sanctuary of the Rufiji River and the sprawling land beyond. For families, we offer two units, each comprising two en-suite tents sharing a single platform.

Discover the magic behind the scenes with a 30-minute tour of our back-of-house facilities, of which we take great pride. Equipped with a dedicated water treatment system and solar panel power setup, we live off the grid and in harmony with mother nature. Our commitment extends to being proudly 100% plastic-free.

Day 2-3
Nyerere National Park

Enjoy your scheduled game activities. These include shared morning and afternoon game drives or alternatively, you have a shared escorted bush walk or shared boat excursion (water conditions permitting).

Overnight at Selous Impala Camp on All Inclusive basis

Day 4
Nyerere National Park Ruaha National Park

At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Ruaha.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to the camp.

Enjoy your scheduled shared game activities before dinner.

Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge on full board basis (excludes drinks) inclusive of shared game drives and limited laundry

About the Camp
Nestled along a stunning stretch of the Great Ruaha River, the camp provides an ideal vantage point to observe game throughout the day from the comfort of your veranda.

Ruaha River Lodge stands as the sole 'lodge' within the Ruaha region, consisting of 24 stone chalets that stretch along the riverbank. Each room has minimal impact on the environment, providing a relaxing and captivating option for game viewing from your veranda.

Ruaha is divided into two sections, featuring a dining banda by the river and another elevated on a nearby kopje, offering a distinctly different perspective. Few other camps boast such a perfect location.

Day 5-6
Ruaha National Park

Enjoy your scheduled game activities. Beware - exploring Ruaha can set a high standard for future safaris elsewhere. During the dry seasons, there's no need to venture far from the camp to witness abundant wildlife, as they gather along the river for drinking.

Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge on full board basis (excludes drinks) inclusive of shared game drives and limited laundry

Day 7
Ruaha National Park Mafia Island

Time permitting, enjoy one last game activity before your transfer to the airstrip for your indirect flight to Mafia Island.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your lodge.

About Mafia Island
Mafia Island, off Tanzania's coast, is an untouched paradise known for its pristine beaches and marine biodiversity. Renowned for whale shark encounters, it offers a tranquil escape with cultural exploration, water activities, and eco-friendly tourism. From vibrant coral reefs to local village visits, Mafia Island provides a diverse, off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking a unique tropical getaway.

Overnight at Pole Pole including full board and limited laundry

About your Lodge
This exclusive eco-lodge on Mafia Island offers laid-back luxury with a view of Chole Bay's white sands and sparkling waters. The nine bungalows, steps from the ocean, provide exclusive excursions, including swimming with whale sharks. Styled with unpretentious barefoot luxury, the lodge offers a tranquil atmosphere, complemented by facilities such as a restaurant, lounge, pool, and spa.

Rooms, elegantly rustic, feature mosquito-netted beds, Swahili antiques, and shower rooms stocked with coconut and lime products. The culinary experience blends local and Italian flavors, with beachside dinners under lanterns and stars creating a magical ambiance.

Day 8-10
Mafia Island

Explore the island at your leisure.

Your stay includes one daily boat excursion in Chole Bay - options include snorkeling, Kua Ruins, Marimbani Sandbanks, or Sunset Cruises *

There is much to see and explore during your stay - some of the seasonal highlights include -

Whale Sharks: From October to March, dive into the waters and share a mesmerizing experience snorkeling alongside gentle giants.

Baby Turtles: In June to August, witness the timeless spectacle of sea turtles nesting on Tanzanian beaches for over 150 million years. Between June and September, delight in the instinctive scramble of hundreds of baby turtles making their way from the white sandy beaches to the inviting waters of the warm Indian Ocean.

Humpback Whales: Finally, from August to October, marvel at the majestic Humpback Whale migration in the south of Mafia as these colossal creatures, accompanied by their calves, journey to the warm waters—an awe-inspiring sight given their potential 14-meter length and staggering 40-ton weight!

Overnight at Pole Pole including full board and limited laundry

Day 11
Mafia Island Dar es Salaam

At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport in time for your included flight to Dar es Salaam where your arrangements conclude on arrival.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Accommodation as specified
Food
  • Included Copy 20 Meals as specified
  • Included Copy 7 Premium brand drinks
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Internal flights and transfers as specified
  • Included Copy 20 Scheduled game activities while at the lodges
  • Included Copy 20 One shared boat excursion and one shared bush walk daily while at Nyerere *
  • Included Copy 20 One Daily Chole Bay daily boat excursion while at Pole Pole *
  • Included Copy 7 Gratuities, insurance, Laundry (unless specified), items of personal nature
  • Included Copy 7 Any flights, visas, or things not specified
  • Included Copy 31 Mafia Island Marine Park Fee

Activities

  • Included Witness hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of colorful bird species while quietly navigating the river
  • Included Get up close and enjoy a walking safari followed by a wonderful bush breakfast
  • Included Explore local Mafia villages, interact with friendly communities and learn about traditional customs
  • Included Cruise along the Rufiji River in Nyerere and encounter wildlife from a unique vantage point.
  • Included Enjoy low traffic game viewing on the roads of both Nyerere and Ruaha for a uninterrupted experience
  • Included Escape to the pristine beaches of Mafia Island and explore the underwater wonders
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

11 days

Price from

$7,825 USD

Per person, sharing

Daily; on request